Harris County commissioners approved the master plan for an area in downtown Houston that will be redeveloped into Remembrance Park—a dedicated space where residents and visitors can commemorate the actions and struggles of those who fought for social justice.

One of the park's main focal points in the master plan, according to officials, will be four markers recognizing four individuals who were lynched in Harris County between 1890-1928, according to Precinct 1's website.The big picture
More than 15 dedicated spaces are projected for completion, according to the park's master plan that was approved Feb. 27. The point 'A' will be the site for the four markers. (Courtesy Harris County Commissioners Court)
More than 15 dedicated spaces are projected for completion, according to the park's master plan that was approved Feb. 27. The point "A" will be the site for the four markers. (Courtesy Harris County Commissioners Court)


Quebedeaux Park and the surrounding area in downtown Houston will be redeveloped into Remembrance Park. The original park is named after Walter A. Quebedeaux, a lawyer who served 22 years as Harris County’s director of air and water pollution control. According to the Precinct 1 website, Quebedeaux was remembered as a pioneer in environmental protection.

The details

According to agenda documents from the Feb. 27 commissioners court meeting, the green space will be comprised of three blocks downtown that will also serve as a space for restaurants, shops and community gathering. From Congress Street to Buffalo Bayou, the park will emphasize space for artistic expression in efforts to bring tourism to Houston and the downtown area. The master plan also includes dedicated space for:
  • A reflection pool
  • Performance space
  • An art pavilion
  • An exhibit pavilion
  • An amphitheater
  • A Canopy Walk
  • A Community Welcome Center


The timeline

Redeveloping Quebedeaux Park, as well as the vacant site of the building located at 1117 Franklin St. and the area in front of the Family Law Center, was first brought to Harris County Commissioners Court in September 2020, according to agenda documents.

Quote of note

The idea behind Remembrance Park stemmed from the Harris County Remembrance Project, a group of organizations working with Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. The organizations were:
  • Equal Justice Initiative, which organized the research and documentation of African American lynching victims in 20 states
  • Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Inc.
  • Friends of the African American Library at the Gregory School
"By erecting historical markers for the victims, ... Harris County is acknowledging the horrors of racial injustice while creating a space that will allow visitors to recognize the racial terror of the past and realize the continued effects of discrimination on inequities and opportunity," the Precinct 1 website states.